Just New

[birdygirl123]

 

[jonesy]

Hi, I'm Jonesy, new to raising chickens. I have ordered six buff Orpingtons, due to arrive May 19. I've had great fun drawing plans for our coop and runs; I'm sure the actual construction will be harder!

I hope this is an OK time to ask a question or 2 about fencing:
Is the purpose of a fence to keep the chickens in (do they try to fly out?) or
to keep predators out during the day when the chickens are outside?

I have found info about runs and about free range, but very little about large areas fenced in to keep the hens off the road and out of the neighbors' yards.
I want to enclose about 1/2 acre, but if I have to cover the top to keep the hens from flying out, that won't work.
Does anyone have some suggestions?
Thank you so very much!